ScienceDaily: Living Well News

---

• Like curry? New biological role identified for compound used in ancient medicine
• New type of male contraceptive? Key gene essential for sperm development discovered
• Vicious cycle of over-eating and feeling depressed explained

Like curry? New biological role identified for compound used in ancient medicine Posted: 25 May 2012 07:39 AM PDT Scientists have just identified a new reason why some curry dishes, made with spices humans have used for thousands of years, might be good for you. They have discovered that curcumin, a compound found in the cooking spice turmeric, can cause a modest but measurable increase in levels of a protein that's known to be important in the "innate" immune system, helping to prevent infection in humans and other animals.

New type of male contraceptive? Key gene essential for sperm development discovered Posted: 24 May 2012 06:52 PM PDT A new type of male contraceptive could be created thanks to the discovery of a key gene essential for sperm development. The finding could lead to alternatives to the conventional male contraceptives that rely on disrupting the production of hormones, such as testosterone. These treatments can cause side effects such as irritability, mood swings and acne.

Vicious cycle of over-eating and feeling depressed explained Posted: 23 May 2012 07:19 AM PDT Some people feel depressed because they have been eating too much, then they eat too much because they are feeling depressed. As is the case with drug addicts, a vicious cycle sets in where "food-highs" are used as a way to combat depression, experts say.

You are subscribed to email updates from ScienceDaily: Living Well News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610